” This World Here…Nomhlaba Le”

Curious Monkey Theatre Company, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle Arts Development Organisation, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa have been collaborating for two years on the “Two Newcastles” project, and last week presented a work on Tyneside that they have created together called ” This World Here…Nomhlaba Le”

It’s a journey to a new world full of song and discovery. When faced with a new culture, visiting a new place, what do you bring with you? What do you leave behind? Original music intertwined with traditional South African and Geordie songs, verbatim testimony and storytelling about their lives, homes and experiences in two different Newcastles by the performers, exploring community and belonging, celebrating diversity and uncovering our unconscious biases. Asking…where is home?

Created and performed by:
Sanele Mzimela, Phelelani Mzimela, Velaphi Mthimkulu, Samu Khumalo, Sam Bell, Alice Blundell and Stan Hodgson
Directed by Amy Golding
Produced by Sphiwe Xulu and Jen Dewar
Assistant Director Jonluke McKie
This World Here…Nomhlaba Le was commissioned as a flagship cultural project of Newcastles of the World supported by International Newcastle. Funded by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts, Waka Waka Africa North East, Newcastle Municipality KZN, The Department for Arts and Culture (South Africa) The Tyne and Wear Community Foundation (UK)